Hôtel l’ Écrin

Narrow cobbled streets lined with ancient houses wind up from the picturesque sheltered harbor in Honfleur and just a short stroll from the bustle of Saint Catherine’s Square is the Hôtel l’Écrin. Set behind tall gates, this was once a grand home and it retains that feel today. Now a complex of buildings set off its enclosed courtyard, the decor in the main home is flamboyant, to say the least—red velvet and gilt, lavishly applied, the fanciest French furniture, a multitude of paintings, an assortment of decorations, and one enormous wooden Thai elephant. The same lavish taste extends to the bedrooms in the main house where several large high-ceilinged rooms are decorated ornately. Buildings on either side of the courtyard and nestled in the back garden offer additional, less ornate bedrooms. The Blais family also purchased a neighboring building and completely remodeled it to provide five luxurious rooms that share a lovely sitting room in a building called L’Ecrin Village. Under the direction of Jean Claude, who is ever-present, the staff is friendly and helpful. Honfleur is one of France’s most picturesque port towns and the Hôtel l’Écrin is quiet, convenient, and moderately priced.